Wigan fans in nervy Euro trip

Andrew Nowell

A GROUP of 150 Latics fans following their team into Europe endured a nervous few hours before their heroes even got on to the pitch.

The supporters, who were travelling to Belgium to watch Latics’ European debut against Zulte Waregem, missed their planned ferry crossing after customs officers at Dover pulled over three Shearings coaches for inspection.

The vehicles were delayed for around an hour, but a spokesman for the Wigan-based company said the fans were able to get a later Channel crossing and would not be missing any of the historic match.

A Shearings spokesman said: “We understand Customs inspections delayed three of the coaches which subsequently missed their planned ferry crossing. We’re speaking to our teams on the ground to see if there were other factors.

“All coaches are scheduled to arrive in Bruges by late afternoon, well ahead of the 7pm kick-off local time.

“We hope the fans have a fantastic time and we wish the team the best of luck this evening.”